A £400,000 scheme has been launched to create Didcot’s first all-weather football pitch.

The new facility would be on Didcot Town FC land at Loop Meadow and the plan is being supported by South Oxfordshire District Council and the town council.

The district council has made a planning application and it could open next summer.

It is understood staff at Willowbrook Leisure Centre could be asked to manage pitch bookings, and the Football Association could be app-roached to provide some funding.

Bill Service, cabinet member for leisure, said: “The pitch will be about half the size of a normal football pitch.

“An artificial pitch is one of the things that we have wanted to provide for our residents for some time now, and hopefully, if permission is granted, 2012 will see Didcot get yet another sports facility to be proud of.

“There will also be new sports pitches provided as new homes are built at the Great Western Park development.”

Didcot Town treasurer Justin Lambourne said the pitch would be shared between Didcot Town players and other footballers in the community.

He added: “There are about 300 players who play for Didcot Town youth teams and they will certainly benefit.

“At the moment, the only facilities of this kind are at Tilsley Park in Abingdon and at Wallingford Sports Park.

South Oxfordshire spokesman Gavin Walton said: “We can confirm that SODC has submitted a planning application for a new artificial pitch at Didcot Town.

“If planning permission and external funding is granted, the pitch will be the first one in the town and will provide the local community and the football club with a fantastic all-weather facility.”

The planning application is expected to be considered next month.